2019
Lord Mayor of Belfast to give public lecture in Cork
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, John Finucane, will give a public lecture at University College Cork’s Centre for Executive Education on Lapps Quay, this Thursday (October 24).
‘Brexit: A Belfast Perspective’ will be the title of the lecture by Councillor John Finucane who was elected to the office of Lord Mayor on the May 21 this year, and will serve as Lord Mayor until June 2020.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor John Finucane said: “I’m delighted to be visiting Cork, representing Belfast and taking the opportunity to look at the potential for links, greater connectivity and collaborative working between our two great cities – especially in the context of Brexit. Looking at Brexit through a Belfast lens, collaboration, partnerships and networks with all sectors has already allowed us to deliver so many economic and social outcomes for the city – all aligned with our city vision, the Belfast Agenda and its four key pillars to ensure inclusive growth – growing the economy, living here, city development and working and learning. We work hard every day, alongside our partners and networks, to make Belfast the city of choice for investment and a great place to live. Brexit has sharpened this work for us – making it our central focus in the time ahead. I look forward to sharing many learnings during my visit and building strong connections and links with Cork."
"As the UK and the EU agree an exit deal, some of the basis for contact and cooperation between Ireland and the UK is removed. In this context, it is important that we confront what Brexit means, not just for Ireland as a whole, but for its city-regions and their links with all parts of the island. The Lord Mayor of Belfast’s engagement with the UCC Jean Monnet Lecture Series provides a public space for considering the complex challenges and potential opportunities which Brexit poses for Ireland and its city-regions, North and South,’"stated Dr Mary Murphy, Jean Monnet Chair in European Integration and lecturer in politics at UCC.
The lecture commences at 4pm on Thursday 24th October. Admission is free but the public are advised to register.
Councillor John Finucane was elected to represent the Castle area of North Belfast at the 2019 local government elections for Sinn Fein and will serve until the 2023 local elections. The 39-year-old grew up in North Belfast and was educated at St Malachys College, before studying Law at Dundee University and qualifying as a solicitor. He currently owns his own legal practice, which has offices in Belfast city centre.
Councillor Finucane is a keen sportsman and has represented Antrim in Gaelic Football at minor, under 21 and senior level. He plays for Lámh Dhearg GAC based in the west of the city. The Lord Mayor’s themes for the year are Human Rights, Social Justice and the Environment.
This lecture is another in the UCC Jean Monnet Lecture series, previous speakers have included Fintan O Toole, Tony Connelly, Claire Hanna, Professor Amelia Hadfield and current UUP leadership contender Steve Aiken. This lecture series is supported by the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet programme.